2025 - 2026 Community Grants Program recipients

A stand at a market, The marquee has a yellow cover and tables with green tablecloths. There are people behind the table and several customers The sign next to it reads 'Welcome to Beaufort CWA'

The Community Grants Program provides recognition to local organisations and businesses for the valuable contribution that they make to Pyrenees Shire.

This year’s funding round recorded strong interest from across the region, with 33 organisations sharing in approximately $107,000. Applicants represented a wide range of local organisations and initiatives and came from all corners of the Shire.

Funding was offered across four categories: Community Programs, Minor Capital Works and Equipment, Community Events and Tourism Events, celebrating the wide range of projects that help keep the Shire thriving.

Congratulations to all 2025-2026 Community Grant Program recipients.

 

Community Programs

  • Advance Avoca - Avoca Street Christmas Decorations

A project to revitalise the town’s ageing Christmas decorations and build a holiday atmosphere. Project aims to restore festive spirit, boost local pride, attract visitors and create a vibrant main street and business district

  • Avoca & District Seniors Citizens Club - Community Engagement and Recruitment Program

This project will rebuild community connections by hosting four inclusive 2026 social events for adults aged 50 and over. The program supports healthy ageing, addresses growth in loneliness, and encourages older adults to stay active and involved in community life.

  • Beaufort CWA - 100 hours of celebrating 100 years of CWA in Beaufort.

CWA will mark its 100th year with “100 hours for 100 years,” featuring workshops, crafts, a cookbook, community events, a commemorative tree, banners, and a video celebrating local women’s contributions. The program promotes social connection, strengthens community pride, and honours local history and volunteerism.

  • Beaufort Golf/Bowls Club - Female Golf Participation Program

The Program aims to boosts female golf involvement through clinics, social events, mentorship, and subsidies. The project reduces barriers to participation, promoting inclusivity and health, and advancing gender equity in sport.

  • The Weight of Men Project (Auspice - Business for Beaufort) - The Weight of Men Project

The project captures Beaufort men’s untold stories through a book of portraits and storytelling and other local promotions/events. It preserves history, fostering pride, strengthening connections, and creating an inclusive legacy for future generations.

  • Pyrenees Beaufort Food Pantry - Healthy Eating - 2025/26 Holiday season

During the holidays, rising costs and limited supplies reduce access to healthy food for vulnerable clients, making it harder to provide suitable fresh and healthy foods. This project provides essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity alleviating financial stress.

  • Pyrenees Community House - Chat and Chew Program

The Chat and Chew Community Lunch is becoming a valued event for many residents, offering social connection, support for vulnerable community members. Funding will support food supplies for attendees and playgroups, boosting participation and providing vital social and nutritional support.

Minor Capital Works

  • Amphitheatre Mechanics Institute Committee - Hall Functionality Upgrade

Ageing volunteers struggle with setting up and moving current heavy not fit for purpose tables at the hall. The purchase of new lightweight tables and adjustable chairs will improve safety, accessibility for those with mobility issues, and comfort.

  • Beaufort Agricultural Society - Mini golf course Trailer 

Purchase of a purpose-built trailer to safely transport and store the community’s portable 9-hole mini golf course, ensuring easier setup, durability, and wider community use at events and programs.

  • Beaufort and District Historical Society - Society Internet Terminal

The Society preserves local history and assists public research. A new computer will improve access, preservation, and online availability of historical records.

  • Beaufort Blue Light Motorcycle Club - Safety & Risk Improvement Project

A rider, volunteer and emergency management project on the track, with new communication equipment to enhance safety at events.

  • Beaufort Community Bank Complex - Hand Dryers

The installation of energy-efficient hand dryers to replace paper towels in the bathrooms. Project aims to reduce waste and costs, improving hygiene, and supporting the community’s environmental commitment.

  • Beaufort Croquet Club Inc. - Asset Protection Fence

The project will remove a current trip hazard with a protection fence, preventing ball damage to pavilion windows, improving safety, accessibility, and enjoyment with a durable solution.

  • Beaufort RSL - RSL BBQ Enclosure

Upgrade the outdoor BBQ area with a new unit, covered veranda, gas connection, extraction fan, and safety features, enhancing facilities for community use and events.

  • Carranballac Cricket Club - Carranballac Playground upgrade

The Reserve’s playground is unsafe and deteriorating. Urgent repairs, soft fall replenishment, and treated pine borders will restore safety and usability for the district’s only play area.

  • Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Association - Goods Shed activation (hard stand project)

Upgrade of the goods shed driveway and hard stand to improve safety, appearance, and access. The group plan to leverage off these renewed works to attract events (i.e. show and shine events), that will boost attendance to the museum and strengthen volunteer and community engagement.

  • Landsborough Public Hall - Community Engagement Program

The purchase of reconditioned espresso machine for the Resource Centre to support and continue the popular weekly community coffee gatherings. The project has need to continue and grow social connections in the town, following the cessation of local business in 2024.

  • Lexton Football Netball Club - Netball court light pole replacement and relocation

A deteriorating netball court security lighting pole will be replaced and relocated behind the viewing area to meet netball court run off distance standards. The project will address club / league concerns, to improve safety.

  • Lexton Public Hall - Lexton Public Hall Blind Replacement

The hall’s blinds, date back to 1975, and are brittle and outdated.  This project will replace 17 blinds, to improve safety, comfort, blackout capability, and natural lighting.

  • Lexton Rural Fire Brigade - Forcible Entry equipment

The brigade is enhancing Tanker 1 with extra equipment (Halligan bar, grinder, and impact driver) to improve early response to accidents and bushfires.

  • Moonambel Cemetery Trust - Front fence upgrade

To replace approximately 100 metres of fencing to improve the appearance of the cemetery. The project seeks to preserve, protect, and celebrate heritage assets, including local storytelling, particularly given the site’s rich history.

  • Pyrenees Pétanque Club - Marquees for Shade and Weather Protection

Portable shade structures will provide sun and weather protection, boost participation and supporting health and safety for players and volunteers.

  • Raglan Hall & Recreation Reserve Committee - Amenities Upgrade

The project will replace outdated shower units and a urinal cistern with modern, water-saving fixtures, improving reliability, efficiency, and usability for patrons.

  • Snake Valley and District Historical Society - Branding Sign Renewal

Refurbish the currently dated branding / entry sign to improve visibility, accuracy, and professionalism, guiding visitors and reflecting community pride in local heritage.

  • Waterloo Community Group - Storage Shed

A 3x3m metal shed beside the Fire Shed to securely store equipment, supporting ongoing community events and gatherings.

  • Waubra Bowls Club - Waubra Bowling Club - social room improvement

The club seeks new chairs for redeveloped rooms to replace uncomfortable, unsafe seating, improving comfort, safety, and participation.

  • Waubra Community Hub - Smarter Blinds for a Greener Hub

The Hub lacks internal blinds, causing temperature extremes, glare, and privacy issues. Installing blinds will improve climate control, lower energy costs, enhance comfort and privacy, and create a more functional, professional, and inclusive space for community use.

Tourism Event Sponsorship

  • Avoca Community Arts & Gardens - Avoca Art Show (2026, 2027, 2028)

An annual art exhibition showcasing local and regional talent, supporting artists at all stages through curated and open entries, prizes, and cultural exchange that enriches the community and strengthens regional arts.

  • Avoca Riverside Market- Avoca Riverside Market (2026, 2027, 2028)

This project aims to strengthen community connections through a local event showcasing organisations, while also attracting external visitors to the area to explore attractions and support local businesses.

Community Event Support

  • Advance Avoca - Avoca Christmas Street Party

A free, inclusive community event aimed at reducing isolation and promoting well-being. Held alongside the Twilight Market, it fosters connection through entertainment and family-friendly activities. The event strengthens community bonds, and to create shared experiences that extend beyond the holiday season. 

  • Beaufort Walkfest - Beaufort Walkfest

Beaufort Walkfest encourage people to get outdoors, socialize, and enjoy nature and local attractions. Funding will specifically engage more children, young people, and participants with mobility challenges (in the Wheelie Walk), fostering inclusion and connection.

  • Business for Beaufort - Beaufort Twilight Night - Lighting Project

As a popular annual event attracting locals and visitors, it features festive decorations and lighting. Funding will replace aging Rotunda lights and add more walkway lighting, enhancing safety and appeal to create a brighter, more inviting community space.

  • Pace the Pyrenees - Pace the Pyrenees

This new running event promotes community fitness with courses ranging from 2km kids’ laps to 50km Trawalla Trails races. It is proposed to occur in June in a lower visitor season, which will support the local visitor economy during winter. It welcomes all abilities and boosts local tourism by attracting participants from Melbourne and interstate, benefiting local businesses through increased visitation.

 

Past Community Grant recipients

Recipients of the 2024 - 25 Funding Program

Minor Capital Works

  • Raglan Hall & Recreation Reserve Committee Inc - Kitchen Facilities Upgrade
  • Beaufort Services Group Inc - Replacement of the timber flooring of our Op Shop
  • Carngham Recreation Reserve - Safety and compliance of players and spectators
  • Avoca Friends of the Pool - Sitting Safely in the Shade (SSS)
  • Landsborough & District Historical Group Inc. - Railway Station Heritage signage installation.
  • Waterloo Community Group -  Water tank replacement
  • Beaufort Blue Light Motorcycle Club - Car Park Improvements
  • Lexton Community Hub (CAC) - Free public water refill station.
  • Trawalla & District Rec Reserve - Kitchen upgrade at Trawalla Hall
  • Waubra Community Hub (CAC) - Upgraded kitchen and bar facilities
  • Avoca Community Arts & Gardens Inc - A&G Precinct Outdoor Amenity Enhancements
  • Beaufort Primary School - Installation of "Choose Tap" water fountain

Community Event Support

  • Moonambel Arts and History Group Inc - On The Edge' - 2025 Photographic competition and exhibition
  • Pyrenees Community House - Meet The Neighbours
  • Waterloo Community Group - Waterloo Community Christmas in July
  • Avoca Riverside Market Incorporated - Get Involved
  • Beaufort Guides Support Group Inc - Beaufort and District Junior Disco Program
  • Uniting Church Carngham-Snake Valley - Heritage Month Concert

Equipment

  • Carngham Recreation Reserve - Bins for community use
  • Lexton Rural Fire Brigade - Brigade facilities - fridge/freezer
  • Beaufort and District Historical Society - Lighting the Courthouse
  • Avoca Cemetery Trust -  Minor equipment
  • Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Association - Safety barriers
  • Beaufort CWA - Branded Marquee and event equipment
  • Lexton Football Netball Club - Telecommunication improvement - Lexton Reserve
  • Business for Beaufort - Second Computer for Radio 88 Beaufort
  • Pyrenees Community House - Outdoor Event Equipment
  • Beaufort Photography Group - Beaufort Photography Group - Exhibition at Art Trax
  • Beaufort Apex Club - BBQ Upgrade Project
  • Avoca Mens Shed - New Router Table
  • Beaufort Mens Shed - Beaufort Mens Shed Pressure Cooker

Programs

  • Snake Valley and District Historical Society - Risk reduction project: Electrical & fire safety
  • Magnum Bonum Recreation Reserve - Mag Dam Remediation
  • Beaufort Cricket Club - Womens cricket integration program

Tourism Event Sponsorship

  • Pyrenees Grapegrowers & Winemakers Association - Pyrenees Unearthed Festival 2025, 2026 & 2027
  • Beaufort Football Netball Club - Beaufort Truck & Car Show
  • Avoca Riding Club Inc. - Avoca Riding Club annual Dressage day

 

Recipients of the 2023 - 24 Funding Program

Minor Capital Works

  • Amphitheatre Recreation Reserve COM - Reserve Fencing reinstatement
  • Avoca Community Arts & Gardens Inc - Avoca railway station - hard stand project
  • Beaufort Agricultural Society - Cattle Pavilion upgrade at the Goldfields Reserve
  • Beaufort Community Playgroup - Beaufort Community Centre playspace upgrade
  • Beaufort RSL - Power and kitchen appliance upgrade
  • Business for Beaufort - Pull up Promotional Banner
  • Business for Beaufort - Radio FM 88 Software Streaming service and equipment
  • Carranballac Cricket Club - Portable shade facilities and equipment for Cricket Club
  • Casablanca Movie Club Inc - Avoca Community Hall Power upgrade
  • Cyril Callister Foundation Inc - Vegemite inspired unique street art 
  • Landsborough & District Historical Group Inc - Replacement of access ramp decking boards
  • Landsborough Primary School - Al Fresco dining at Landsborough Primary School
  • Lexton Community Club - Lexton Local and Family History collection
  • Lexton Public Hall Committee of Management - Public Hall Floor
  • Lexton Rural Fire Brigade - Protek fire-fighting branch
  • Natte Bealiba Football Netball Club - ScoreHub
  • Natte Yallock Recreation Reserve - Community Safe AFL Goal Guard
  • Pyrenees Arts Council - Art Trax Gallery Safety and Security Project
  • Pyrenees Historic Vehicle Club Inc - Mobile Defibrillator
  • Raglan Hall & Recreation Reserve Inc - Public Toilet/Shower Amenities block lighting upgrade
  • Snake Valley and District Historical Society - Digitisation Project
  • Waterloo Community Group - Waterloo Hall external gathering space improvement

Events & Programs

  • Avoca Friends of the Pool - Celebrating Community Together
  • Landsborough Events Group Incorporated - Landsborough Community Christmas Event
  • Tour de Trails - Wild Mount Trail Run
  • Avoca Riverside Market Incorporated - Mustering Rural Communities for Carols and Conversation.
  • Statewide Endurance - Snake Valley Dash
  • Avoca Community Arts & Gardens Inc - Art Makers Market
  • Avoca Shire Turf Club - Avoca Races
  • Beaufort Community House & Learning Centre - Beaufort Town Market
  • Pyrenees Beaufort Food Pantry Inc - Healthy Eating Education
  • Beaufort and District Historical Society - Pyrenees Historical Societies Better Practice Program

Shop Façade

  • Bloomin Fresh Beaufort - Shop Front Awnings for Fresh Produce Weather Protection
  • The Flywheel Bar & Café - facade restoration and business identification
  • Gollops Garage Avoca Pty Ltd - Painting & Signage on building fascia
  • Beaufort Family Practice - Shopfront Facade Refresher
  • Pyrenees Hotel - Reinstatement of external heritage signage
  • Iprune Pty Ltd - Shop Front Facade Upgrade

 

Recipients of the 2022 - 23 Funding Program

Equipment

  • Beaufort Community Bank Complex - AV Equipment Upgrade Community Bank Complex
  • Beaufort Agricultural Society - Fenced play area (Show Food Court)
  • Beaufort and District Historical Society - Beaufort Historical Society IT Software Upgrade
  • Beaufort Blue Light Motorcycle Club - Public Address System
  • Cyril Callister Foundation Inc - Bench seating Pop-Up Museum

Events

  • GAP Events - Pyrenees Hideout Festival
  • Beaufort Football Netball Club - Beaufort Football Club Truck & Car Show
  • Cyril Callister Foundation Inc - Book Launch, The Man who Invented Vegemite
  • Avoca Riverside Market Inc - Avoca Riverside Market Trailer
  • Tour de Trails - Wild Mount Trail Run
  • Avoca Riverside Market Inc - Community Christmas Carols at the Market
  • Cave Hill Creek - Victorian Concert Orchestra
  • Uniting Church Carngham (Snake Valley) - The Valley 'Seasons' Community Market
  • Pyrenees Arts Council - Pyrenees Art Exhibition

Minor Capital Works

  • Beaufort Golf/Bowls Club - Replacing Timbers on Outdoor Deck
  • Avoca & District Historical Society Inc - Helen Harris OAM Room Renovation
  • Avoca Friends of the Pool - Access for All Abilities, Avoca Swimming Pool
  • Moonambel Recreation Reserve COM - New Gas Hotwater system
  • Raglan Hall Committee - Raglan Hall Gravel Driveway & Parking Area Resurfacing
  • Lake Goldsmith Steam Preservation Association - Roadway and path reinstatement
  • Avoca Sporting & Recreation COM - Lighting Up Netball
  • Beaufort RSL - Beaufort RSL kitchen refurbishment
  • Beaufort Municipal Band Inc. - Equipment Transport
  • Landsborough Tennis Club - Refurbishment of Landsborough Tennis Club facility
  • Carranballac Progress Association - Carranballac Hall Toilet Upgrade
  • Beaufort Mens Shed - Urgent Roof repairs
  • Waubra Community Hub - Safety Fence Waubra Netball Court
  • Trawalla & District Rec Reserve - Property fence replacement

Community Programs

  • Beaufort Guides Support Group Inc. - Beaufort and District Junior Disco Program
  • Beaufort walkfest - Beaufort Walkfest
  • Landsborough & District Historical Group Inc. - Digitisation of "Landsborough Times”
  • Skipton Cemetery Trust - Cemetery Alternative Register Project
  • Business for Beaufort Inc. - Tourism Promotional Video Project
  • Beaufort Cricket Club - Female Cricket Participation Program, Social Sixers
  • Snake Valley Hall Committee - Community Easter Project
  • Avoca Girl Guides - Avoca Girl Guides Membership Drive
  • Beaufort and Skipton Health Service - Mental Health & Wellbeing Forum
  • Beaufort Community House & Learning Centre - Down The Alley Art Program
  • Beaufort Croquet Club Inc - Croquet Come & Have a Go Program
  • Landsborough and District Bowling Club - Landsborough bowls club Membership Drive
  • Avoca Community Food Pantry - Healthy Eating Initiative
  • Waterloo Community Group - Community Engagement Program
  • Snake Valley Craft Group - Establishment of the Snake Valley Craft Group

Shop Façade

  • Sam’s Place - Storefront signage and Lighting project.
  • Howell Contractors Pty Ltd - Replace veranda iron on 160 High Street Avoca
  • Northend Service Station Pty Ltd - External building refurbishment / painting / signage
  • Shear Delights Bakery - Shear Delights Bakery Avoca Frontage Refresh
  • de Baere House Antiques – Signage and Fencing
  • Landsborough Larder - Store Rejuvenation
  • Skene - Former Bakehouse façade upgrade
  • Beaufort News and Tatts - Signage and Shopfront Update
  • McErvale - 15 Lawrence Street, Beaufort upgrade
  • Beaufort Christmas shop Church Gallery - Front veranda and shop entrance upgrade
  • Pyrenees Motel - Motel Signage Upgrade
  • The Springs Hotel Waubra p/l - The Springs Hotel, Waubra (outdoor dining and lighting)
  • Allen - Renewal 121 High Street Avoca
  • Royal Hotel Snake Valley - Royal Hotel Face Lift
  • Avoca District Co-operative Limited - Community Bank Avoca & District Relocation
  • Leaman - Home Made Cafe - Facade Refresh
  • Westbury Antiques – Façade Painting 

 

Recipients of the 2021-22 grants program

Program recipients

  • Advance Avoca Inc - Avoca community Christmas party 
  • Avoca Community Arts & Gardens Inc - What's Your Story workshops 
  • Avoca Community Arts & Gardens Inc - Gaming for Youth Project 
  • Avoca Community Arts & Gardens Inc - Arts & Gardens precinct landscaping 
  • Avoca Friends of the Pool - Christmas at the Avoca Pool 
  • Avoca Friends of the Pool - Youth lifeguard training 
  • Barkly Hall & Recreation Reserve Committee - Hardcourt backboard and equipment 
  • Barkly Hall & Recreation Reserve Committee - Basketball/netball half-court 
  • Beaufort & Skipton Health Service - Exercise physiology rehab equipment 
  • Beaufort Agricultural Society - New track lighting for photography display 
  • Beaufort Croquet Club Inc - Turf line marker 
  • Beaufort Football Netball Club - Kitchen equipment 
  • Beaufort Historical Society - Digitising the collection 
  • Beaufort Progress Association - Avoca Riverside Market 
  • Beaufort Progress Association - Avoca Riverside Market - equipment 
  • Business For Beaufort - Radio 88 Beaufort new computer 
  • Crowlands Hall and Reserves Committee Inc - Kitchen split system installation 
  • Moonambel Hall - Boundary protection fence 
  • Pyrenees Petanque Club - Moonambel Petanque Piste resurface 
  • Avoca country Golf Bowling Club Inc - Rookie Rollers & Jack Attack Bowls Program 
  • Burnbank CFA - Community BBQ 
  • Carngham Linton Football Netball Club - Kitchen equipment 
  • CWA Avoca & District Branch - Storage upgrade 
  • CWA Landsborough - Landsborough bush dance 
  • Evansford Community Centre - Boundary fence repair 
  • Lake Goldsmith - Stockyard Hill Fire Brigade - Presentation display cabinet 
  • Lake Goldsmith Hall Committee - Storage and teachers desk restoration 
  • Landsborough Bowling Club - Power supply upgrade for greens lighting 
  • Natte-Bealibe Football Netball Club - Spectator seating 
  • Redbank Community Garden - Tool shed - ANZAC Park 
  • Redbank Reserves Committee - Sound reduction in Redbank Community Hall 
  • Snake Valley & District Historical Society - Book: The Carngham General Cemetery 
  • Snake Valley Hall Committee of Management Inc. - Outdoor community noticeboard 
  • Waubra Community Hub - Table trolley